The Christmas 🎄 season arrived with a fresh wave of optimism for women in Akwa Ibom’s riverine communities as the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, extended a lifeline through the distribution of outboard engine fishing boats to women and cooperative groups in the Eket Senatorial District.
The empowerment exercise, held on Boxing Day at Akpabio’s country home in Ukana, Essien Udim Local Government Area, was part of his ongoing constituency outreach designed to boost livelihoods in coastal areas where fishing remains the backbone of daily survival.
Most of the beneficiaries were women from riverine settlements across the state, communities whose economic well-being is closely tied to access to reliable fishing equipment and modern tools capable of improving both productivity and income.
Addressing participants at the event, the wife of the Senate President, Dr. (Mrs) Ekaette Unoma Akpabio, applauded her husband for deliberately focusing on women from riverine areas, describing the gesture as a reflection of his commitment to inclusive governance that transcends political boundaries. She noted that the selection of beneficiaries was driven by genuine need rather than political considerations, stressing that fishing represents the very foundation of their livelihoods.
In his remarks, Akpabio expressed deep appreciation for the unwavering support of women across Akwa Ibom State, explaining that the initiative was aimed at empowering them to grow sustainable businesses instead of relying on temporary assistance. He described women as a vital pillar of stability in both the social and political fabric of the state, assuring them that their prayers and loyalty would never be taken for granted.
While encouraging continued support for the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Senate President also acknowledged the efforts of Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, commending his focus on human capital development and grassroots welfare.
Providing further insight into the initiative, the Executive Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Victor Antai, revealed that each fishing boat was fully outfitted with essential equipment, including fishing nets, refrigerators, fuel tanks and powerful outboard engines to enhance safety and efficiency on the waterways. He added that the larger boats were powered by twin 75-horsepower engines, while the smaller ones were equipped with 40-horsepower engines to meet varying fishing demands.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mma Nkoyo Isong described the intervention as life-changing, noting that the boats would open new doors to financial independence for women in the riverine communities. She expressed gratitude for the support, saying the initiative had given them the tools to build lasting prosperity rather than short-term relief, and pledged continued loyalty to Akpabio and his political platform.
Only a few of the boats were displayed during the ceremony for symbolic presentation, while the full list of individual beneficiaries and cooperative societies was formally announced at the event.